09.28.2007 | 10:09 pm | Flight Comparison
In a move which will be welcomed by government, green campaigners and passengers alike, Boeing, Air New Zealand and Rolls Royce have announced plans to create a Boeing 747 which will run on biofuel. While the plane will not be ready until mid 2008, there are hopes that this could be the major break through in the move to green fuels. So how will it be different?
Apart from the fact that the new plane is expected to substantially reduce the output of CO2 during flights, the new biofuel which will be used will be non-food connected. Those who have been reading about the development of biofuels may have read that food based biofuels have caused havoc in the food markets, with the large amount of ingredients used causing an imbalance in the supply / demand ratio, and pushing some food prices higher. The fact that this new biofuel will use forestry and agricultural waste products has been welcomed as a major step forward.
So what will it mean for ticket prices?
Unfortunately, with development comes a heavy cost of research and development. While the carriers will save money in the long run, there will be a short term spike which the consumer will need to contribute to. As with any new technology the process should become more efficient and see prices fall back in due course.
However, it does look as if kerosene fuel (traditional jet fuel) will need to be added to the mix in the short term, while the biofuel sustainability and efficiency is tested still further. While there will be those who see this as a way of pleasing the various governments and campaigners around the world, it does finally seem as though the industry is taking the biofuel issue seriously.
We may soon be seeing green travel in the blue skies!
09.27.2007 | 9:30 pm | Flight Comparison
While we have seen a massive increase in people looking to take overseas breaks between the Christmas and New Year period, it seems that Jamaica may well be this years want away destination. Air Jamaica have today announced that ALL flights to and from the country over the Christmas period are already booked up, with healthy bookings following through to March 2008. While the country has always been a popular destination for holiday makers, it seems that the tourism industry in the country is flying high!
Jamaica holds many attractions for travellers from all over the world, the relaxed atmosphere, the superb facilities and the beautiful climate and countryside. It offers what is fast becoming a rare mix of the old world and the new world, with areas of the country still retaining their traditional look and feel. But why is the country so popular this year, and especially around the Christmas period?
Over the last decade we have seen a major push by the Jamaica Tourist Board, which has resulted in a marked increase in the country’s worldwide exposure. Many of the misconceptions with regard to the crime and facilities have been corrected, with many views well out of date. The country has made a concerted effort to appeal to the mass tourist market, rather than certain niche areas, resulting in a general increase in the country’s economy and general standard of living.
So what next for this popular Caribbean resort?
Onwards and upwards seems to be the message from the authorities with an ongoing expansion of the country’s main airport underway, increased passenger numbers expected for next year and a general feel good factor in the industry.
It will be interesting to monitor the growing popularity of this area of the world and how the authorities respond to the expected leap in visitor numbers - no easy task!
09.26.2007 | 9:05 pm | Flight Comparison
When the first statistic you find is that nearly one third of all US flights are delayed or cancelled, you can see why the US authorities have decided to do something about it!
George Bush has given the go ahead for the Department of Transport to devise a plan to slash the delays, and make the whole system more dependable and viable. It has also been announced that flight delays for the year ended July passed the one million mark for the first time ever, up twenty percent from the previous year. Quite how the US airline industry has got into such a state has surprised many, but at least the wheels are in motion for change.
While the authorities seem to be putting the blame onto the airports and the airlines, there are some in the industry who feel that government spending on what is now an aging air traffic control system, has been somewhat lacking. As always it would seem that the truth about who is actually to blame lies some where in the middle, although the extra security checks required due to the threat of terrorism have not helped the situation.
The US is by far and away the busiest country in the world when it comes to both internal and external flights, with some 647,000 flights scheduled just for the month of July!
While the investigation into the delays and cancellations has been warmly welcomed, it may well coincide with a further opening of both the European and US skies to rival airlines. There have been a number of well publicised disagreements regarding the granting of access to the US airline industry for non-US carriers. Are we seeing the US putting their house in order before an opening of both the EU and US markets?
Something which will hopefully result in cheaper flights for the consumer……….
09.25.2007 | 10:39 pm | Flight Comparison
In a move which is sure to anger the local population around BAA’s Heathrow airport, it has been announced that while officially the airport operator exceeded night flights by a mere 109 (above the 2,550 winter quota set by the government), it appears this may not be the whole picture.
Informed sources have told a BBC investigation that a further 325 flights either took off or landed in the 23:30 to 06:00 time slot, but were disregarded because of operational reasons i.e. the weather, mechanical problems, etc. While the quote for the summer rises to 3,250, there are grave concerns that the airport will miss this target as well. Many are claiming that the figures, and the fact that they were allegedly covered up, shows a complete lack of respect for the government quotas.
Local residents have been up in arms for months now, complaining about what seemed to be an endless flurry of night flights. While they had initially welcomed moves by the government, through the Department of Transport, the confirmation of what many had suspected all along has caused further unrest. BAA are in a very difficult situation because on one hand they appear to be disregarding the government guidelines, but on the other they have been trying to gain government backing for further expansion at the airport.
While Heathrow airport is one of the busiest in the world, there has been a fair amount of criticism with regard to Ferrovial, the Spanish owner of BAA. Many have been highlighting a lack of inward investment into existing facilities (a fact which was highlighted by the Aviation Authorities) at a time when they are looking to add a further terminal to the complex.
There were many who initially questioned the recent takeover of BAA, and the lack of firm spending commitments in place before the takeover was cleared. Perhaps in hindsight they had a point?
09.24.2007 | 5:02 am | Flight Comparison
While there has been much research and discussion about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a new research report from a group of Dutch scientists has indicated that those who carry out more long haul flights are a little more at risk from DVT than those who do not. While the difference in the rate of DVT is only small, it does highlight the risks and the actions which passengers need to be taking.
The airlines have for many years being trying to highlight DVT and indeed many carry detailed information packs in flight to ensure passengers are aware of the risks. There are a selection of simple exercises and actions which you can take to reduce the likelihood of DVT occurring, which include :-
- Regular exercise of your feet. Even if you are not able to get out of your seat, your should stretch and bend your legs every half hour, with many people finding it useful to place the balls of their feet on the floor and exercising in a circular motion.
- Stretch the upper part of your body, and arms, and take in deep breaths to ensure that your circulation is in order.
- If you have any planned stop overs with you flight, it is vital that you take advantage of these by leaving your seat and exercising.
- Ensure that you do not get dehydrated, as this can add to the chances of DVT occurring.
- Where possible, do not use sleeping tablets or any other medication to help you rest. Prolonged rest will change your heart rate and consequently reduce the circulation in your body.
These are just a few simple yet effective exercises which you can take to keep yourself in good shape on long haul flights. While DVT is still very rare, just a few simple exercises will reduce the chances of it occurring yet further.
09.21.2007 | 5:59 am | Flight Comparison
Thomsonfly, one of the no frills airlines, is offering thousands of cheap flights from Midlands Airports for under £30. From the Midlands Airports of Coventry, Birmingham and East Midlands, you can fly to many destinations including Jersey, Amsterdam, Salzberg, Malaga and Alicante. There is also an offer for flights to Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife for less than £50.
You will need to pay for an in flight meal (£6), your drinks, and to book a particular seat (£5), but this still amounts to a great deal.
You can also book accommodation (for as little as £7 per night), hire a car, and purchase cheap holiday insurance (from £7.99) as part of the offer, to ensure that you have a cheap holiday.
It is best to check the restrictions though around these offers:
• Bookings should be made by 24th September at midnight.
• The flights are mainly available between October 2007 and March 2008 but are subject to availability and restrictions.
• The fares quoted are one way and apply to internet bookings only. They do, however, include all taxes and charges. There will be charges for booking by credit card.
• The prices for accommodation are per room, per night but you may have to pay a supplement for the peak season.
• Transfers (between airport and destination) are not included.
Thomsonfly are part of TUI AG which is based in Hanover in Germany. It includes Thomson Holidays and Thomson travel shops in the UK as well as having partners such as Corsair in France and Britannia in Sweden. Thomsonfly itself. has 47 aircraft and handles 8 million passengers each year. It operates from 20 airports in the UK and flies to more than 80 destinations with more routes opening up.
If you want to grab a cheap holiday, then it is best to act quickly before the offer ends!
09.20.2007 | 9:05 pm | Flight Comparison
A few years ago it was British Airways in the firing line of US regulators regarding transatlantic flights, and their reluctance to give up their jewel in the crown Heathrow flight slots. While that situation still rumbles on in the background, it seems that a larger disagreement may be brewing between the US and Europe over State subsidies. So what is the problem?
It seems that both the US and their European counterparts are in disagreement about the level of State subsides handed out to Europe’s Airbus and US giant Boeing. There has been a massive fallout between the two parties with each accusing the other of supporting their respective aeroplane manufacturers. With each party suggesting aid in the tens of billions of dollars has been paid out, the situation is set to grow out of control.
The main crux of the argument is the fact that State aid would allow a company to become artificially more competitive, thus effecting the price of products and services across the world. When you consider that the aeroplane industry is going through perhaps one of its greatest growth phases for some time, potential orders worth hundreds of billions of dollars are at stake, and neither party will give way.
At the moment the case is set to go in front of the World Trade Organisation to see if a blue print for the future can be agreed, although those close to the talks are not convinced that each party really wants an agreement. We have seen similar types of disagreements in other areas of industry (notably Steel), where the US authorities have penalised foreign companies and foreign investors with massive tax hikes and their European counterparts have retaliated.
Can the Americans afford to do this again in the aeroplane industry, with Airbus increasing it share of the market, or will they go toe to toe in the worldwide market?
09.19.2007 | 7:27 pm | Flight Comparison
British Airways have today announced that they will be cutting their flights across the Atlantic to Detroit but adding more U.S Flights. The new flights will be introduced on 30 March 2008, when the new agreement comes into place between the US and the European Union.
The Open Skies Aviation Agreement was discussed in the House of Parliament and the House of Lords in March and eases the restrictions on flights and opening up flights to more competition. Under the agreement, any EU based airline will be able to fly to any US city and vice versa. It is thought that the agreement would mean that other airlines could challenge British Airway’s dominance. After a 4-year process, the agreement was initially going to be implemented in October but will now be March 2008 after EU Ministers raised concerns. The agreement is thought to create 26 million more airline passengers and up to 80,000 more jobs over the next 5 years.
In March, Virgin Atlantic said it would be increasing its European services to the US, say from Paris and Amsterdam. They said that they welcomed the changes as it meant that customers would ultimately have more choice and lower fares.
British Airways are stopping their flights Detroit, which have been running for 50 years. This is because they are no longer profitable, partly as a result of the changing automobile market on which the flights were dependent.
However, flights to Dallas and Houston (which did run from Gatwick and smaller airports) are being transferred to Heathrow. In addition, there will be ten more flights per week between Heathrow and New York, Seattle and Washington D.C. There will also be more flights running between Gatwick and Orlando.
Time will tell whether the agreement will place additional pressure on Heathrow Airport – already one of the World’s busiest airports.
09.18.2007 | 9:23 pm | Flight Comparison
While the announcement that Air New Zealand are set to introduce a one off “Pink Flight” for the gay and lesbian market has received mixed greetings, it has opened up the possibility that themed flights may well be the way forward for the future. But is it viable?
The so called “Pink Flight” is being supplied for those from New Zealand looking to attend the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, and while the event is not due to take place until February next year, the take up so far has been very encouraging. The flight will be “Pink” themed, with pink cocktails, a cabaret by the flight crew and a variety of other entertainment acts for the passengers.
While Air New Zealand have used this exclusive offer to gain substantial press coverage for both the event and the company, there are those in the market who believe that it is simply a public relations stunt. However, there are others in the market who are researching the potential for other themed flights to be introduced, from a variety of sport events to fashion shows, etc.
As the air travel market continues to become more and more competitive, with many of the smaller carriers suffering or being forced into larger mergers, there is scope for a niche market player. It is unlikely that the likes of British Airways and companies of a similar size would look at this market, but it may have attractions for smaller carriers.
Events which may come under consideration would be the Football World Cup, Rugby tournaments, Fashion shows, the Grand Prix and other event which attract a natural audience all by themselves. It will be interesting to see how the flight is received nearer to the actual Mardi Gras, but Air New Zealand may well have stumbled upon one of the next growth areas of air travel.
09.17.2007 | 9:47 pm | Flight Comparison
As we approach the run up to the Christmas period, many people are starting to consider getting away for a Christmas break. Have you ever thought of flying away to avoid the endless repeats on TV, the family outings, and the long boring Christmas holidays when nothing is open and there is very little to do? If you have you will not be alone as record numbers of people are looking to escape Christmas and spend it overseas in hot and sunny climbs.
While the summer period is traditionally the busiest time of the year for many tour operators, Christmas is starting to become a very busy time of year. There are many many offers available to those looking at getting away, whether you are looking for sunny climbs, a desert island or the love laden streets of Venice, there is something for everyone. Initially when the Christmas period was in its infancy as holiday period, prices were quite high, but now that competition is growing we have seen a substantial fall in prices as the operators look to increase their passenger volumes.
In the early days the Christmas break was more something which couples did, but more and more families are now looking at introducing a new style of Christmas. Why not take in many of the worlds great theme parks, such as Euro Disney, or even take the kids to Lapland to see the “real “ father Christmas?
Why not surprise the family this year and take it upon yourself to give them a Christmas they will never forget, although you might like to clear it with the in-laws first and keep in their good books!
There are now so many places to visit all year around, that it can quite often be difficult deciding were to go!
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